Acupuncture is best applied as a complementary technique; promoting the well-being of the patient and assisting conventional therapies to achieve a positive result. This complementary therapy is gaining popularity and is commonly incorporated in the treatment of a number of conditions, especially musculoskeletal disorders and back pain.

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Acupuncture is the stimulation of a specific site, known as a ‘channel’ or ‘meridian’, with a specific method, with the goal of achieving a therapeutic homeostatic effect. There are 173 acupuncture points on the horse's body. 

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Current studies have demonstrated that acupoints are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels.  The acupoint connective tissue is different compared to the rest of the horse's skin. Stimulation of acupoints can induce the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by many human and animal scientific studies. 

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Acupuncture is well tolerated by most horses and can provide a drug-free approach to treat musculoskeletal pain. In addition, acupuncture is commonly used as a supplemental therapy for gastrointestinal disorders, neurologic disorders/nerve paralysis, and other chronic conditions such as anhidrosis, geriatric weakness and heaves. 

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Acupuncture has been shown to have the following physiological effects: pain relief, promotion of circulation, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, anti-inflammatory effects, hormone regulation, immuno-regulation, and a fever-reducing effect. 

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Acupuncture treatment involves inserting very small needles into the skin at acupoints and leaving them in place for 5-30 minutes. Additional techniques can be used to stimulate the acupoints such as attaching electrodes to send an electrical current through the needles. 

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Dr. Tresha Robinson is certified in veterinary acupuncture and routinely works on equine and sometimes canine patients. Each patient is different; each treatment plan our veterinarians create will be tailored to the individual, allowing for a focused approach to provide the best possible care.

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